Book Reviews
Impossible Inventions by the Mizielinskis
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Inventions, by the same team who brought you Maps, is quirky, informative, and possibly inspiring. Ages 8-12 Impossible Inventions: Ideas that Shouldn’t Work by ...
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Calling All Minds by Temple Grandin
By Janie Cheaney |
A well-known scientist and autism advocate challenges middle-graders to put down their phones and make something. Ages 10-15 Calling all Minds: How o Think and ...
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Rick Riordan Presents: A Pagan State of Mind
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new series bearing the Rick Riordan name share an interest in pagan deities and a neo-pagan worldview. When Rick Riordan introduced his signature character, ...
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Retro Reads: The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
By Betsy Farquhar |
Read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventure classic, The Lost World, a book that has clear links to Jurassic Park! The Lost World by Sir Arthur ...
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Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier
By Hayley Morell |
Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...
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Dinosaur Book List for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is your child keenly aware that a new Jurassic Park movie is hitting the big screen this week? As if kids needed more motivation to be interested ...
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Philosophy, Science, Ethics: the Need for Science Fiction
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are You a Sci-Fi Fan? Are you a Trekkie? A Star Wars fan? Perhaps you've faithfully watched Dr. Who, Stargate, or Battlestar Galactica. Or perhaps you are a ...
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Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea is a beach vacation between two covers, told from an artless childlike perspective. Ages 7-10 Secret Sisters of the ...
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Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
By Betsy Farquhar |
The story that inspired the movie chain: Jurassic Park is more complex than the movie in every way--and not for kids. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. ...
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Power Forward by Hena Khan
By Janie Cheaney |
Zayd's dream of playing basketball on his school's A-team clashes with his Muslim family's goals for him. Ages 6-10 Power Forward (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the ...
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*Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry
By Betsy Farquhar |
A well-written, engaging middle grades biography of Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad, that tells young readers about her life from birth to death. ...
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Fairy Tales (and More!) for Summer: A Booklist for Family Read Alouds
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lovely, Literary, and Light-hearted: Fairy Tales are a Perfect Match for Summer Fun Looking for some fun, low commitment reading for this summer? Perhaps you ...
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*In the Land of the Blue Burqas by Kate McCord
By Hayley Morell |
In a beautifully written memoir full of vignettes, McCord gives readers glimpses of the people and culture of Afghanistan through her eyes as a Christian NGO. ...
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I Dared to Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Pakistani Muslim woman recounts how God spoke to her, calling her out of her Muslim background, and how she dared to call him "Father" ...
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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
By Janie Cheaney |
A lightning strike turns a 13-year-old girl into a math genius, but she has a lot to learn about human relationships and living in the ...
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The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet
By Janie Cheaney |
Three "orphans" find their place in their community through music, forgiveness, and doing the right thing. Ages 10-15 The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne ...
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*Sunny by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
Sunny takes us into the interior life of a track runner who doesn't want to run--so how can he stay on the team? Ages 10-14 ...
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Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Betsy Farquhar |
Liam, a super tall 12-year-old, goes on a cosmic adventure in this light-hearted British science fiction story that includes subtle emotional weight. Cosmic by Frank ...
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*Tangerine by Edward Bloor
By Betsy Farquhar |
A realistic sports story that is so much more than a sports story, Tangerine blends soccer, environmentalism, bullying, racism, and physical disability into a well-written, ...
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Disenchanted by Megan Morrison
By Hayley Morell |
Readers eager for more tales from Tyme will be disappointed by a story that is for more political than its precursor. Disenchanted: The Trials of ...
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Rapid Fire: Five Recent YA
By Hayley Morell |
Reading YA takes time. Books often stretch to 400 plus pages, and sometimes at the end of the day, those 400 pages aren't worth an ...
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Look at the Weather by Britta Techentrup
By Janie Cheaney |
This picture book for all ages encourages readers to "look at the weather" while learning the basic causes of it. Look at the Weather by ...
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*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
How Sweet the Sound tells the story of "Amazing Grace" in rhyming couplets and dramatic illustrations. Ages 6-10 *How Sweet the Sound: the Story of ...
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The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Longtime readers will enjoy Birdsall's Penderwicks at Last, a charming finale to this beloved middle grades series. The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2018. ...
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Summer Fun Booklist: Full of Activities and Things to Do!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Summer Days Ahead The glorious weeks of summer are upon us (if you live in the Southeast) or soon to be (if you live in ...
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SuperGifted by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
A “super-gifted” boy genius bites off more than he can chew in this middle school story told from multiple perspectives. Ages 10-15 SuperGifted by Gordon ...
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The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
This YA fantasy adventure places a spunky nobleman’s daughter in the middle of a “traitor’s game” between her corrupt father and a compromised opposition. Ages ...
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Hunger by Donna Jo Napoli
By Betsy Farquhar |
Hunger stalks Lorraine and her family as they struggle to cope during Ireland's potato famine in this historical fiction middle grades novel. Hunger: A Tale ...
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Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Rethinking School, Susan Wise Bauer offers practical suggestions and background information for crafting the best education for your unique child. Rethinking School: How to ...
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The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras
By Janie Cheaney |
A teenage "Mad Wolf's Daughter" in late medieval Scotland stakes her claim to legendary status. Ages 10-14 The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras. Penguin ...
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A School for Brides by Patrice Kindl
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun romantic read for Jane Austen fans, A School for Brides is also very positive about marriage. Ages 12-18 A School for Brides by ...
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The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Little Charlie wants to do the right thing even as he agrees to go fetch runaway slaves up north in this gritty middle grades historical ...
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The Monarchs Are Missing: A Butterfly Mystery by Rebecca Hirsch
By Janie Cheaney |
Why is the population of Monarch butterflies declining? This book invites readers to ponder the mystery, and participate in the solution. The Monarchs Are Missing: ...
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How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth
By Janie Cheaney |
This engaging picture book explains in simple terms the complex system that makes a house “work” How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth, illustrated ...
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Voices of the Second World War
By Janie Cheaney |
A compendium of recollection from men and women who experienced World War II as children brings the past up close and personal. Voices of the ...
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Marvelous Math for Middle Grades
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Language of the Universe The language of the universe is math. Little else in the natural world reflects such a unique combination of truth, ...
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The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
By Janie Cheaney |
A young girl in the middle of the Indian partition of 1947 shares poignant thoughts and fears in The Night Diary. Ages 12-15 The Night ...
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Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey
By Janie Cheaney |
Stuck in the Stone Age offers a short course in story writing as well as a wacky time-travel adventure. Ages 8-12 Stuck in the Stone ...
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Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
By Betsy Farquhar |
Early Auden is Jack's guide to Pi as they voyage to find the giant bear and complete their quest in this thought-provoking, intricate historical novel. Ages ...
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The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Matthew, housebound because of his OCD, uses his detailed observations of his neighbors to help solve the disappearance of a toddler in this middle grades ...
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The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
By Hayley Morell |
Watch out Chicago, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town for this jazz age mystery! The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill. ...
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*New Shoes by Sara Varon
By Janie Cheaney |
A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick
By Janie Cheaney |
Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters. Ages 8-12 ...
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With My Hands by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
By Janie Cheaney |
With My Hands, a poetry collection for ages 5-10, celebrates the endless creativity of humans from the earliest ages. With My Hands: Poems about Making ...
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Rebound by Kwame Alexander
By Betsy Farquhar |
Charlie is struggling to rebound after his dad's death in this well crafted, middle grades verse novel full of comics, basketball, and a strong family ...
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It’s National Poetry Month – Let’s Write a Poem! (Free Download)
By Janie Cheaney |
In honor of National poetry month, here's a sample lesson from Wordsmith Apprentice to help reluctant writers produce original verse. "Poetry" is a scary word ...
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The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides
By Janie Cheaney |
This fantasy series opener sends one young “wishmaker” and his personal genie on a wild ride to save the world—with consequences attached. The Wishmakers by ...
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The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic
By Janie Cheaney |
A wish-granting clock is the unique agent in this tweener story about forming one’s principles against the desire to be popular. The 11:11 Wish by ...
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Hidden City by Sarah Grace Tuttle and Amy Schimler-Safford
By Betsy Farquhar |
Hidden City is an exuberant, colorful picture book that looks at the hidden and overlooked moments of beauty around us. Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife by ...
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*Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
An academically-challenged boy gains confidence and learns responsibility when he opens a sled dog school. *Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ...
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Strongheart by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale. Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...
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Mega List of Bible Reviews!
By Janie Cheaney |
Here in one handy post are all the children's Bibles reviewed over the last six years by RedeemedReader, with links. I (Janie) started reviewing children’s ...
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Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Quiz Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIV Quiz Bible challenges readers with over 1000 questions to answer from the text. NIV Kids’ Quiz Bible. Zonderkidz, 2018, 1795 pages Recommended for: ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Adventures in Odyssey
By Janie Cheaney |
Though mostly for die-hard Odyssey fans, this edition of the NIrV includes some valuable kid-friendly features. NIrV Adventures in Odyssey Bible. Focus on the Family, ...
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Martin Rising by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
By Betsy Farquhar |
Martin Rising is a exuberant, poetic homage to Martin Luther King for middle grades. Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated ...
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Bible Review: CSB Read-to-Me Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
Designed for parents of preschoolers, the CBS Read-to-me Bible offers a straight path from familiar Bible stories to the text itself. CSB Read-to-Me Bible. B&H ...
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Bible Review: CSB Kids’ Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The CSB Kids' Bible, in various formats, provides ease of reading with helpful inserts. Ages 8-12 CSB Kids’ Bible. B&H Kids, 2018, 1568 pages. Recommended ...
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Bible Review: CSB Big Picture Interactive Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The CSB Big Picture Interactive Bible presents an update of a respected translation with study helps and a story-telling app. Ages 6-10 CSB Big Picture Interactive ...
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Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson
By Janie Cheaney |
The life-paths of Martin Luther King and James Earl Ray converge on a fatal day in Memphis, in this gripping account of a manhunt. Ages ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Seek and Explore Holy Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIrV Seek & Explore Bible takes a learning-styles approach that will be helpful for some kids but distracting for others. Ages 6-10 NIrV Seek ...
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Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible presents helpful notes, illustrations, and infographics in a unique layout. Ages 8-12 NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, Zonderkidz, 2017, ...
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*Big Picture Bible Crafts by Gail Schoonmaker
By Janie Cheaney |
A great resource for Sunday school or art class, these Bible crafts will help kids learn while they create. All ages *Big Picture Bible Crafts: ...
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*Bible Review: ESV Big Picture Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The ESV Big Picture Bible for pre-through-primary ages, features over 315 age-appropriate illustrations of unusual perspective and appeal. ESV Big Picture Bible. Crossway, 2015, 1375 ...
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*God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson
By Janie Cheaney |
God’s Timeline is a valuable resource that pulls together the entire sweep of church history from the Resurrection to the early twenty-first century. *God’s Timeline: ...
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*Exploring the Bible by David Murray
By Janie Cheaney |
Exploring the Bible, a “DIY” guide for 8-12 year-olds, introduces a practical, workable way for kids to start studying the Bible for themselves. *Exploring the ...
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Picture Book Biographies Booklist!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture Book Biographies = Fantastic, Diverse Resources Picture book biographies are one of the best ways to introduce a person from history. Why? They bring ...
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The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
By Megan Saben |
Sarah Mackenzie offers a welcome and updated look at making connections with your family through books in The Read-Aloud Family. The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and ...
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*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner
By Betsy Farquhar |
For middle grades and up: a photographic, journalistic look at those famous twelve days in May when a group of whites and blacks bravely tried ...
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8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch
By Janie Cheaney |
8 Great Smarts shows parents how to recognize, encourage, and build on their child’s particular kinds of “smart.” 8 Great Smarts: Discover and Nurture Your ...
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Learning to Lead: Another RedeemedReader Booklist!
By Janie Cheaney |
In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...
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The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman
By Betsy Farquhar |
A beautifully crafted middle grades biography of a girl who drew butterflies back in the 1600s, changing the study of natural history in the process. ...
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*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
By Betsy Farquhar |
For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. ...
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The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes
By Janie Cheaney |
This jokey introduction to the American Revolution, latest in the “Thrifty Guide” series, presents accurate history along with the laughs. Ages 10-15 The Thrifty Guide ...
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*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
By Janie Cheaney |
The Book of Boy breathes life into the squalor and splendor of the late middle ages, with the tale of a parentless child and a ...
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Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy
By Janie Cheaney |
This biography by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughters draws on the author’s scrapbooks, journals, and memories to recount her life. Ages 12-up Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones ...
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Pie-Themed Picture Books for Pi/Pie Day!
By Betsy Farquhar |
"Pi/Pie Day" is coming up on March 14th! Check out one of the pie-themed picture books below from your local library to enjoy with your ...
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Vintage Pies: Classic American Pies for Today’s Home Baker by Anne Haynie Collins
By Hayley Morell |
Here's a fun pie cookbook to help you recreate some of the vintage pies described in older literature and in your history books! Vintage Pies: ...
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The Vanishing American Adult by Ben Sasse
By Janie Cheaney |
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse diagnoses a serious problem with today’s young adults and writes a prescription for restoring the American spirit. The Vanishing American Adult: ...
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A Wrinkle in Time at Fifty Years
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wrinkle in Time was published 55 years ago and gets the full movie-treatment this month. In this repost from 2012 Janie wonders how well ...
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Nonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words
By Betsy Farquhar |
A round-up of 2018 nonfiction picture books on all sorts of subjects and for all sorts of ages! The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra and ...
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Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
The Survivor Diaries series present 10-and-11 year olds in life-threatening situations, who find the courage to persevere and . . . survive! Ages 7-11 Survivor Diaries: ...
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Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit
By Janie Cheaney |
This often-overlooked classic by the beloved fantasy writer introduces six children with lively imaginations and not much prudence. Ages 10-14 The Story of the Treasure ...
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*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober
By Betsy Farquhar |
Starred review for this young adult biography that showcases a thoughtful--and thought-provoking--Abigail Adams against the backdrop of tumultuous American history. *Abigail Adams: Witness to a ...
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*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)
By Betsy Farquhar |
75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...
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Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
By Janie Cheaney |
A father-daughter hike from Phantom Ranch to the south rim of Grand Canyon reveals its geological wonders. Grand Canyon by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook, 2017, ...
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Invictus by Ryan Graudin
By Janie Cheaney |
Invictus takes science-fiction to the max with a wild ride that involves time travel, doppelgangers, and parallel universes. Ages 15-up Invictus by Ryan Graudin. Little, ...
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Every Day by David Levithan
By Janie Cheaney |
The movie version of Every Day, based on David Levithan's YA novel of the same title, opens today. Here's our review from 2012 that addresses ...
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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
By Janie Cheaney |
The Hate U Give, one of this year’s most acclaimed YA novels, offers a well-rounded, realistic picture of challenges faced by the black community (see ...
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Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
In Piecing Me Together, a Newbery honor book, a black teen in a low-income neighborhood carves out a place in the world through art and ...
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Picture Book Round-Up: 6 Multicultural Youth Media Award Winners
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2018 ALA Youth Media Awards were announced last week, and children's lit fans around the country live-streamed the event (unless they were privileged to ...
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Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four sixth graders come together in a serendipitous turn of events in this year's Newbery award winner, Hello, Universe. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Greenwillow, ...
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Those Love Stories We Loved
By Janie Cheaney |
The RedeemedReader ladies recall our favorite "love stories" as teens, and rejoice that we grew out of them! But what do we like now? You ...
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*Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
By Janie Cheaney |
Honey for a Teen’s Heart applies the wisdom of Gladys Hunt’s read-aloud approach to the adolescent years. Adult *Honey for a Teen’s Heart: Using Books ...
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Five Red Flags to Watch for in YA Christian Romance Fiction
By Janie Cheaney |
Christian romance fiction feels "safe," but it's not always without pitfalls . . . and it's not always Christian, either. I remember when Jeanette Oke ...
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Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden
By Betsy Farquhar |
Facing Frederick is a well written, nuanced biography for middle grades that sheds light on both Frederick Douglass and the tumultuous times in which he ...
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Black History Month Nonfiction Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black History Month Nonfiction Book List It's a month full of book lists here at Redeemed Reader! We hope you enjoyed our Love and Laughter ...
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Give Me Wings by Kathy Lowinger
By Janie Cheaney |
The little-known story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers demonstrates black talent, initiative, faith, and determination. Give Me Wings: How a Choir of Former Slaves Took ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #5: Real Friends and All’s Faire in Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
It's our final Newbery Buzz of the 2018 season. Betsy and Alysha discuss two graphic novels for this last round. Graphic Novels as Newbery Winners? ...
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Getting to Know Beatrix Potter (1866 – 1943)
By Hayley Morell |
"My dear Eric, Once upon a time there was a frog called Mr. Jeremy Fisher . . ." A day earlier, Beatrix Potter had written ...
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Family Game Night by Mary E. Lambert
By Janie Cheaney |
A trio of siblings and their detached father come to the breaking point with their mother’s hoarding habit. Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes by ...
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